Assessment of electricity and electricity standby supply systems on university of Rwanda campuses

The importance of electricity can never be overemphasized in advancing engineering transformation, technology, industrialization, research and economic growth. In order to enhance learning and research, and to address the erratic power supply from Electricity Utility Corporation Limited (EUCL), the University of Rwanda (UR) installed in all its campuses a total of 37 Internal Combustion Diesel Engine Generators (ICDEGs) with power ratings ranging from 680 kVA to 2.5 kVA. Unfortunately, for about three years most Campuses stay without electricity during the period of power outages from EUCL, hence paralyzing academic activities. Many of the ICDEGs are poorly maintained rendering ten of them nonoperational and idle for a long time. The reticulation systems and switchgear on a number of campuses are in a state of disrepair, compromising on operational safety. Many of the generators do not have automatic changeover switches and have to be switched in and out manually depending on the availability of electricity supply from the EUCL. In some of the Campuses the standby systems operate as standalone thus eliminating the possibilities of economic dispatching and raising the cost of operation. Nyarugenge and Gikondo Campuses are operating on two independent distribution networks, which could be interconnected for improved reliability and freeing some of the equipment for use on other Campuses. The 680 kVA generator, which is on Huye Main Campus has sufficient capacity to supply the whole campus in the absence of supply from EUCL, however, in most cases it is not operated due to lack of sufficient fuel. The implementation plan to address the problems is proffered. Primary data were obtained through campus visits for measurements, observation and face to face interviews, as well as completion of questionnaire that was designed by the Team. A total of ten (10) University of Rwanda Campuses were visited.